India's agricultural landscape is at a critical juncture. While intensive agriculture has aimed to maximize yields, it has inadvertently led to a decline in soil health, increased reliance on chemical inputs, and economic hardship for small and marginal farmers, who constitute approximately 86% of landholders. This approach also poses significant threats to India's food, nutritional, and ecological security. Regenerative farming presents a promising alternative, offering a pathway to sustainable agriculture that benefits both farmers and the environment.
Overuse of chemical fertilizers has severely degraded soil health, reducing their effectiveness from 12 kg of grain per unit in the 1960s to just 5 kg in recent years. Soil organic carbon, a crucial indicator of soil health, has plummeted from 2.4% to a mere 0.4% over the last 70 years.
The current fertilizer subsidy system, which amounted to Rs 2.5 lakh crore in FY 25, disproportionately benefits large farmers and incentivizes unsustainable practices. Despite declining fertilizer efficiency, subsidies have increased exponentially, from Rs 60 crores in 1976-77 to Rs 2.25 lakh crores in RE 2023-24, a staggering 4,000% increase.
Small and marginal farmers, who make up the majority of Indian agriculture, have limited access to essential inputs like improved seeds, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation. This has led to a cycle of low productivity, indebtedness, and vulnerability to climate change.
Regenerative farming is a holistic approach that focuses on:
The recent budget signaled a positive shift by prioritizing agriculture and allocating Rs 2,481 crores for the National Mission on Natural Farming. It also aims to train one crore farmers in regenerative practices by 2026.
A significant portion of the massive fertilizer subsidies should be redirected to direct benefit transfers (DBT) for farmers who adopt regenerative practices. This would provide much-needed financial support and incentivize the transition to sustainable agriculture.
The government should provide additional incentives for regenerative farmers, such as access to credit, technical assistance, and market linkages.
Investing in research to develop climate-resilient crop varieties and optimize regenerative farming practices for different agro-ecological zones is vital.
Regenerative farming offers a transformative approach to Indian agriculture, addressing the challenges of soil degradation, climate change, and economic hardship faced by farmers. By reallocating fertilizer subsidies, providing targeted incentives, and promoting research and development, the government can accelerate the adoption of regenerative practices and create a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. This shift is crucial for achieving India's "Viksit Bharat" vision by 2047, ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its farmers.
Q1. What is regenerative farming?
Answer: Regenerative farming is an agricultural approach that focuses on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and improving ecosystem resilience through sustainable practices.
Q2. How does regenerative farming benefit small farmers?
Answer: It reduces input costs and increases productivity, providing small farmers with better economic stability and resilience against climate change challenges.
Q3. What are the key practices in regenerative agriculture?
Answer: Key practices include cover cropping, no-till farming, crop rotation, and biological pest control to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Q4. How can the government support regenerative farming?
Answer: The government can provide incentives, direct benefit transfers, and funding for training programs to promote regenerative practices among farmers.
Q5. What impact does regenerative farming have on climate change?
Answer: Regenerative farming helps sequester carbon dioxide in soils, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change effects.
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